Closing arguments in the trial of a prominent figure in what became known as the Freedom Convoy will be heard in an Ottawa courtroom Friday.
Pat King’s trial on charges of mischief and intimidation, and seven other criminal offences related to his participation in the weeks-long protest, started in May but only finished hearing evidence on Tuesday.
Natasha Calvinho, King’s lawyer, has argued there was a failure at “all levels of government” responsible for responding to the protests and pointed to instances when King and others were following directions from authorities.
She also accused police of “barricading” protesters in, preventing them from leaving the city, and argued any guilt on the shoulders of King was a result of “erroneous advice” from officials.
Defence calls police, convoy supporters
Calvinho called on the testimony of police officers who were dealing with protesters during the 2022 convoy, which came to the city to protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other grievances.
King’s defence has suggested there were confusing and conflicting messages from authorities.
Calvinho has argued the police never had a plan to have the trucks exit, and accused them of preventing people from leaving the city.
Throughout their testimony, Ottawa Police Service (OPS) officers told court they were expecting and encouraging the protesters to leave throughout the weeks-long event.
Court heard that police and city officials felt they had lost control of an occupied downtown core and were unable to enforce laws or effectively respond to emergency situations. The federal government eventually deployed the Emergencies Act to regain control of the city.
Calvinho also called convoy supporters and participants to testify.
One participant, a 45-year-old Nepean resident, said he attended the Freedom Convoy because of the “draconian measures” being taken by a “tyrannical government.”
Dylan Dumsday said King’s actions didn’t influence his actions, which included going downtown as police moved in to end the protests.
He said “extreme measures” were called for but he stopped short of being arrested and left the area after being pushed west by police along Wellington Street on Feb. 19.
King’s level of involvement in, and influence over, the Freedom Convoy is a central question in the trial.
Calvinho has pointed to other people, some of whom were never charged, who were playing key roles throughout the protests.
Court heard evidence of how others helped raise money, communicate with authorities and manage logistics.
Dumsday said he felt rebellion was his “duty” and he saw King, as well as other supporters, as part of the rebellion. He also described King as a “prominent figure.”
Other protest participants said they had no knowledge of King until after arriving in the city, or after police had cleared the streets.
To establish his leadership role, prosecutors have pointed to videos taken from King’s own social media. In them, King is seen directing supporters to honk horns after a court injunction banned the act, leading a “slow-roll” of trucks by the Ottawa International Airport and talking about sneaking trucks downtown.
Many of the officers who testified said efforts were made by OPS to contact King because he was considered a “leader” and a “person of influence” for the protesters.
During cross-examination, the defence’s final witness, Dale Zuccato, told the court he traveled from Alberta to Ottawa as part of King’s group and participated in the “slow roll” at the airport.
He agreed with prosecutors that King helped “guide” the protesters to the city, was listed online as a contact and passed instructions to others on the road while travelling.
“He was there to make sure everybody was safe,” said Zuccato.
At the onset of her defence, Calvinho suggested that if King was guilty of the crimes of which he is accused, it was only because he had received “erroneous advice” from officials — but it never became clear what that advice was, or which official might have given it.
King pleading not guilty
King lives in Red Deer, Alta., and attended the final days of his trial by video conference.
He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
King has been in custody for five months. Crown prosecutor Moiz Karimjee has suggested he’ll seek a sentence of up to ten years if he is found guilty.
After closing arguments are heard Friday, the judge overseeing the matter will have up to six months to render a judgment.
Ottawa Morning5:49Pat King trial continues in Ottawa
Pat King became one of the key – and controversial – figures in what became the Freedom Convoy in 2022. His trial for charges of mischief, intimidation and others continue this week in Ottawa. The CBC’s David Fraser brings us the latest.